Authentic Bengali Chicken Biryani Recipe | Kolkata Style Chicken Biryani with Potato

 

Authentic Bengali Chicken Biryani Recipe: Learn how to make authentic Bengali Chicken Biryani (Kolkata Style) with soft potatoes, aromatic rice, and juicy chicken. Easy step-by-step recipe for perfect homemade biryani.

 

By Amit Kaul
Location: India
Published on: February 14, 2026 –

 

 

 

Authentic Bengali Chicken Biryani – Kolkata’s Royal Delight

When it comes to biryani, every region in India has its signature version. But Bengali Chicken Biryani, famously known as Kolkata Style Chicken Biryani, holds a special place in every food lover’s heart. What makes it unique? The addition of soft, golden potatoes and boiled eggs, along with fragrant rice and delicately spiced chicken.

Unlike spicy Hyderabadi biryani, Bengali chicken biryani is aromatic, mildly spiced, and subtly sweet — reflecting the royal influence of Nawabi cuisine in Kolkata.

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What Makes Bengali Chicken Biryani Unique?

✔ Large golden fried potatoes (signature ingredient)
✔ Fragrant basmati rice infused with kewra water
✔ Mild spices instead of overpowering heat
✔ Juicy, slow-cooked chicken
✔ Light, aromatic flavor profile

The story of Kolkata Biryani dates back to the Nawab of Awadh, who brought his royal kitchen traditions to Kolkata. Due to economic constraints, potatoes were added, and they became the soul of the dish.

Ingredients for Bengali Chicken Biryani

For Chicken Marinade:

1. 750 g chicken (medium pieces)
2. 1 cup yogurt
3. 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
4. 1 tsp red chili powder
5. ½ tsp turmeric
6. 1 tsp biryani masala
7. Salt to taste
8. Juice of half a lemon

For Rice:

1. 3 cups basmati rice (soaked 30 minutes)
2. 4 cloves
3. 2 bay leaves
4. 1-inch cinnamon
5. 4 cardamoms
6. Salt

Other Ingredients:

1. 2 large potatoes (halved)
2. 2 boiled eggs (optional but traditional)
3. 2 onions (thinly sliced)
4. 3 tbsp ghee
5. 2 tbsp mustard oil
6. 2 tbsp rose water or kewra water
7. A pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk

How to Make Authentic Kolkata Style Chicken Biryani

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Mix chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, biryani masala, salt, and lemon juice. Marinate for at least 1 hour for the best flavor.

Step 2: Fry the Potatoes

Heat oil and fry potatoes with a pinch of salt and turmeric until golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In a heavy pot, heat ghee. Cook till golden brown after adding the chopped onions. Cook the marinated chicken until it becomes tender and the oil separates.

Step 4: Prepare the Rice

Boil water with whole spices and salt. Add soaked rice and cook until 70% done. Drain the rice.

Step 5: Layering the Biryani

In a heavy-bottomed pot:

1. Spread cooked chicken at the bottom
2. Add fried potatoes and boiled eggs
3. Layer partially cooked rice
4. Drizzle saffron milk and kewra water
5. Add a spoonful of ghee

Step 6: Dum Cooking

Cover tightly and cook on low heat for 20 minutes. This slow steaming process blends the flavors perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot Bengali Chicken Biryani with:

1. Fresh onion salad
2. Cucumber raita
3. Kolkata-style chicken chaap (optional for festive meals)

Tips for Perfect Bengali Biryani

1. Always use long-grain basmati rice.
2. Do not overcook rice before layering.
3. Kewra water adds authentic aroma — don’t skip it.
4. Slow, dum cooking is essential for perfect texture.

Why You’ll Love This Bengali Chicken Biryani Recipe

⭐ Authentic Kolkata flavor
⭐ Perfect balance of spice and aroma
⭐ Signature potato twist
⭐ Ideal for celebrations and family dinners
⭐ Rich yet not overly spicy

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If you’re craving a royal, aromatic, and comforting biryani, this authentic Bengali Chicken Biryani recipe will transport you straight to the streets of Kolkata.

 

About the Author

Amit Kaul is a food content writer and digital publisher based in India. He specializes in creating original, experience-driven recipes and home-cooking guides. All recipes published on this website are personally researched, tested, and written by him, following Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) guidelines.